Free Spyware Removal Tools

Be Wary Of Piggybacking In Email Attachments

Nowadays, most spyware and viruses come in thru Email, as executable (EXE) codes that piggyback on Email documents. Don’t open Email if you don’t know the addressee. Once opened, the spyware or virus is released into your system. Attachments are worse. It’s just not a good idea to open them, period. If someone has a document to send, have them insert it into the body of an Email.

Download The Latest Free Spyware Removal Tools

The best way to deal with spyware is prevention, since it's very difficult, if not impossible, to remove spyware once it infects your PC. While commercial programs are available, they're not completely reliable. In fact, no single piece of software effectively protects a computer from all spyware or virus attacks. The answer is to install several free spyware removal tools on your computer to create a combined defense more resistant to attack, and to keep them updated.

Install Free Spybot Search And Destroy Download

Spybot is a popular free spyware removal tool that effectively removes the dastardly applications and can be configured to immunize systems from a customized menu. The program is easy to use and comes with a user manual. Read it before arbitrarily killing everything you think is spyware. Some files will be needed for system ops. Spybot effectively rids cookies from older PCs using Windows 98 that gobble up resources and slows performance. System checks with XP is very fast. Updates are done at the click of a button.

Add AD-Aware SE

Ad-Aware SE from Lavasoft is also a free anti-spyware program that provides additional cleansing of spyware that may be missed by Spybot. Updates are also quickly done with a click.

Use Microsoft’s Anti Spyware Downloadable Tool

Make sure that you install Windows Anti Spyware tool, currently still free at Windows. While a beta version, it’s pretty good at blocking spyware and issues alerts when anything attempts to change your system configuration, allowing you the option of granting or refusing access. Updates can be scheduled for automatic downloads. It’s not available for older systems.

Keep Your Operating System Current

Unfortunately, Microsoft is no longer supporting Windows 98, but still supports ME while Windows 2000: MS Ends Support has been temporarily resurrected. But as these operating systems age, it’s only matter of time before Microsoft cuts the cord.

If you haven’t already done so, install Windows Service Pack 2 (SP2) on your computer. Be careful if your PC has a few years under its belt. Some users have reported their PCs froze or failed after installing SP2. Most likely the lock-ups resulted from systems already infected with undetected viruses or spyware. If you suspect that your system has become infected, it’s a good idea to take your PC to a reputable shop for spyware cleaning and SP2 installation.